A member of House of Representatives Rep. Osawaru dismissed an allegation by colleague Rep. Uzokwe on claims linking Edo Govt to alleged attack on Peter Obi
A member of the House of Representatives representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency of Edo State, Billy Osawaru, has rejected allegations that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was attacked by officials or thugs linked to the Edo State Government.
Osawaru was responding to claims earlier made by Rep. Peter Uzokwe, who alleged that the February 24 incident involving Obi and other political figures in Edo State was connected to state-backed actors.
Addressing members of the House of Representatives press corps, Rep. Osawaru described the allegation as “baseless, politically motivated, and completely unsupported by credible evidence,” stressing that no security agency has indicted Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo or any state official over the alleged attack.
“It is dangerous to stand before the press and insinuate state-sponsored violence without proof,” Rep. Osawaru said. “Such allegations not only mislead the public but also risk inflaming tensions in an already charged political environment.”
The controversy followed reports that Obi, alongside former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun, and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), were allegedly attacked by suspected gunmen during a visit to Edo State.
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While condemning the incident and reiterating that violence has no place in democratic engagement, Osawaru maintained that attempts to link the attack to the Edo State Government amounted to speculation and political propaganda.
He emphasized that, as at the time of his briefing, no law enforcement agency had established any connection between Governor Okpebholo and the alleged incident.
“Accusations must be backed by verifiable facts,” the lawmaker said. “Until security agencies conclude their investigation and present their findings, it is premature and unjust to assign blame. Responsible public discourse demands restraint.”
Osawaru warned against what he described as “trial by media,” noting that politicising an ongoing security matter could undermine investigations and heighten tensions in the state.
He also addressed insinuations surrounding Governor Okpebholo’s earlier advisory ahead of Obi’s visit, explaining that the governor’s remarks were based strictly on security considerations and his constitutional duty to protect lives and property.
“It is standard practice for politically exposed persons to notify relevant authorities before large public engagements to enable proper security coordination,” he said. “To twist that advisory into evidence of hostility or premeditation is a deliberate distortion of its intent.”
Reaffirming his stance, Rep. Osawaru called for a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the alleged attack, expressing confidence that the outcome would exonerate the governor.
“We unequivocally condemn violence, regardless of political affiliation,” he said. “But we will not allow unfounded allegations to tarnish the reputation of the Edo State Government or its leadership.”
He urged political actors across party lines to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and prioritise peace and stability in Edo State, adding that the Okpebholo administration remains committed to law and order and to ensuring that democratic activities in the state are conducted peacefully and within the bounds of the law.
